European GP locations and routes

Formula One races offer more than just a day trip out but a chance to indulge in your very own glamourous mini-break while watching one of sport's most talked about spectacles in some of the most glamorous cities around the world.

To ensure F1 fans don’t miss a thing during the season, RAC European Breakdown Cover has compiled a Formula One guide of all the European Grand Prixs and the best routes to them from Calais, with directions provided with the our RAC Route Planner - so you can see the action live.

Spanish Grand Prix - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya

Formerly known as the Circuit de Catalunya, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a site for racing and testing by Formula One teams at since 1991.

If you’re intending to enjoy the Spanish Grand Prix, Elf corner is arguably the best spot for spectators to catch the overtaking action.

With the RAC Route Planner, the most direct way from Calais to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya should take 11 hours 34 mins. The main route to Catalunya takes you through Paris, Orléans and Bourges, just in case you want to stop off along the way.

Monaco Grand Prix - Monaco

A regular fixture in the Formula One calendar since 1955, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic races in motor sports.

The grandstand overlooking Portier corner is an excellent spot for fans, as it’s one of the few parts of the track where overtaking is possible.

The quickest way to Monaco from Calais should take 10 hours 54 mins. Leaving Calais the RAC Route Planner will take you through the commune Saint-Quentin in northern France, past Dijon and through the French city of Lyon in the Rhône-Alpes region.

European Grand Prix - Baku

Designed by F1 track architect Hermann Tilke to be one the most exhilarating dates on the F1 calendar, Azerbaijan’s Baku circuit arguably has the strongest claim to being the fastest street circuit. Located in Baku’s historic city centre, the track has also been designed to make the most of the city’s beautiful seaside promenade and the striking government house.

The journey crosses a number of countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Ukraine and even Russia, affording you plenty of opportunities to visit some of the finest countries in Europe along the way.

Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring

What started as a simple L-shaped circuit with cones and hay bales in the 1950s, has been transformed and re-branded into the Red Bull Ring.

Reopened in 2011, the circuit went through numerous stalled improvement plans before hosting the DTM, World Series by Renault and European Le Mans.

The quickest way to Spielberg from Calais should take 10 hours 53 mins.

Starting from Calais, the RAC Route Planner will take you through Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany before reaching Austria, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for some sight-seeing along the way.

Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring

Favorably known to fans as the ‘dust bowl’, the Hungarian Grand Prix was first hosted in the 1930s, but due to World War II and the Iron Curtain, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the Grand Prix found its rightful place.

And the Hungaroring is called the ‘dust bowl’ for good reason. Budapest can be especially hot during July and it is recommended that spectators should protect themselves from the sun.

With the RAC Route Planner, the most direct journey from Calais to the Hungaroring should take approximately 14 hours 45 mins.

On the way to Budapest, fans will be able to visit tourist hotspots Vienna and Brussels - as well the driver’s favourite destination Nuremberg.

German Grand Prix – Hockenheim

The history of the Hockenheim circuit began in 1939, with Mercedes-Benz using it as a test track for the Tripoli Grand Prix.

World War II halted further developments and in the post-war years the Nurburgring became the venue of choice for Formula One in Germany.

It wasn’t until 2002, following considerable re-designs, the track returned as a regular fixture on the F1 calendar.

The fastest route to Hockenheim from Calais is six hours.

Leaving Calais, the RAC Route Planner will take you through the commune Saint-Quentin and Reims in northern France, past Metz and through the German city of Kaiserslautern.

Belgium Grand Prix –Spa

One of the oldest circuits in Formula One history, Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps hosted its first Grand Prix as far back as 1924.

Returning as a regular to the F1 calendar in 1983, Spa remains the longest circuit on the calendar. Thanks to its changeable weather and demanding corners, Spa is a favourite with drivers and fans alike.

The most direct way to Spa should take approximately three hours from Calais, using the RAC Route Planner. If you have the time, the route takes you through a number of areas of interest for you to enjoy.

First is Dunkirk, where Operation Dynamo took place during World War II; then Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium; and Brussels, Belgium’s capital and home to the headquarters of the European Union.

Italian Grand Prix – Monza

Combining speed, skill, heart and soul, for many Monza is the definitive Formula One race track. Built in 1922, at the time it was the third permanent race track in existence, after Brooklands in the UK and Indianapolis in the USA.

As part of F1’s inaugural season in 1950, the circuit has remained a fixture on the calendar and has been dubbed 'La Pista Magica', the magic track, by Italian fans.

With the RAC Route Planner, the most direct way from Calais to Monza should take 10 hours 29 mins.

As well as driving through Chalons de Champagne and Dijon, the route will also take you past Geneva, known as the City of Peace and home to the European headquarters of the United Nations.